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	<title>Karl Aguilar, Author at Inside Small Business</title>
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	<description>Latest News and Advice for Australian Small Businesses</description>
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	<title>Karl Aguilar, Author at Inside Small Business</title>
	<link>https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/author/karl-aguilar</link>
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		<title>Q&#038;A: How For Keeps stays true to its brand name through corporate merchandise</title>
		<link>https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/management/growth/qa-how-for-keeps-stays-true-to-its-brand-name-through-corporate-merchandise</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Karl Aguilar]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 06 Jun 2025 02:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Latest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[corporate gifting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gifting]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/?p=33163</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Natasha Marcello’s For Keeps Merch is redefining sustainable corporate merchandise with meaningful, waste-free branded products.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/management/growth/qa-how-for-keeps-stays-true-to-its-brand-name-through-corporate-merchandise">Q&amp;A: How For Keeps stays true to its brand name through corporate merchandise</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au">Inside Small Business</a>.</p>
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<p>Natasha Marcello is a serial entrepreneur who has made a name in transforming multi-million-dollar businesses across industries. But one particular industry caught her attention: the merchandise industry and the disposability problem it had been facing as 70 per cent of corporate merchandise end up in the waste bin. This inspired Natasha to put For Keeps, which seeks to create more lasting keepsakes. We talk to Natasha to learn more about her business journey with this venture.</p>



<p><em>ISB: Tell us how you made your start as an entrepreneur</em></p>



<p>NM: My entrepreneurial journey started while working at a corporate gifting company, where I helped scale the business to a $28M acquisition. During the pandemic, I launched Snacks With Bite, which I built and sold within a year for $1M. That experience proved I could spot, and act on, opportunities fast. It also opened my eyes to the massive potential (and waste) in the promo products space, which eventually led to buying into and rebranding our business into For Keeps Merch.</p>



<p><em>ISB: What led you to start a branded merchandise business and how did you verify that this was a viable business?</em></p>



<p>NM: After working in gifting and launching my own business, I saw how branded merch could create powerful emotional connections, if done right. The demand was clearly there, but I knew it needed a modern, more intentional approach. Rebranding from Promotions Warehouse to For Keeps Merch was our way of leading that shift. My co-founder and I validated the idea through industry experience, customer feedback, and a shared belief that branded products could be both strategic and meaningful.</p>



<p><em>ISB: How has your business successfully tackled the problem of disposability in branded merch?</em></p>



<p>NM: It’s literally in our name, For Keeps. Everything we create is designed to be wanted, used, and kept. We work closely with clients to ensure their merch reflects their brand values and lands with purpose, not in landfill. From curation to quality control, we focus on what recipients will actually keep and use, helping our clients build stronger brand affinity while cutting back on wasteful, throwaway items. We also have a tree planting initiative that with every merch box order you place we plant 10 trees.</p>



<p><em>ISB: What was the most unique business operations challenge you faced with For Keeps Merch and how did you overcome it?</em></p>



<p>NM: Rebranding from Promotions Warehouse to For Keeps Merch was a huge shift, more than just a name and logo. We overhauled our entire customer experience, CRM, website, messaging, and even the type of clients we targeted. The hardest part? Bringing our existing customers along for the ride. We had to re-educate them without losing momentum. It took time, trust, and a lot of clear communication &#8211; but now, our brand finally reflects who we are and the value we offer.</p>



<p><em>ISB: What business lessons from your previous ventures were you able to successfully apply in this business?</em></p>



<p>NM: From leading a gifting business to a $28M exit and building a pandemic business to $1M in a year, I’ve learned that speed, culture, and clarity win. The right leadership and team culture can make or break a business. At For Keeps, we focus on building a team that’s aligned, agile, and obsessed with making things better. When your team’s energy is right, your customers feel it too.</p>



<p><em>ISB: How do you see For Keeps Merch evolving in the next couple of years?</em></p>



<p>NM: We’re doubling down on creating thoughtful merch with purpose and backing it with smart systems. Our focus right now is evolving our digital experience, scaling our custom merch store offering, offering merch inventory options and merch gift boxes. Also, attempting to stay ahead of shifts like AI and sustainability. But no matter how the industry changes, our mission stays the same, to create branded products that make people feel something, and that companies are proud to send.</p>



<p></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/management/growth/qa-how-for-keeps-stays-true-to-its-brand-name-through-corporate-merchandise">Q&amp;A: How For Keeps stays true to its brand name through corporate merchandise</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au">Inside Small Business</a>.</p>
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		<title>Improving inflation and consumer sentiment offering a boost to small-business health</title>
		<link>https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/management/growth/improving-inflation-and-consumer-sentiment-offering-a-boost-to-small-business-health</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Karl Aguilar]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2025 08:44:52 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Latest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[consumer sentiment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[inflation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business Pulse]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/?p=33082</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The ASBFEO Small Business Pulse shows the first growth since 2022, with cautious optimism rising amid easing inflation and rate cuts.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/management/growth/improving-inflation-and-consumer-sentiment-offering-a-boost-to-small-business-health">Improving inflation and consumer sentiment offering a boost to small-business health</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au">Inside Small Business</a>.</p>
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<p>The latest figures from the ASBFEO Small Business Pulse revealed an increase by 0.1 per cent in May 2025, the first quarterly increase recorded since August 2022, after falling to 0.9 per cent in the past 12 months.</p>



<p>The report found that while cashflow remains a significant concern for small businesses, many have a sense that the worst is over with moderating inflation pressures, improving consumer sentiment and a small uptick in optimism following the Reserve Bank of Australia’s recent reductions in the target cash rate.</p>



<p>Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson explained that this modest lift reflected a shift towards re-pricing as input inflation starts to ease, with a longer-term view on margins, cost containment and growth opportunities among small-business owners.</p>



<p>“For small and family businesses, higher interest rates not only impact their costs of financing but have profound implications for customers in terms of their spending, preferences and confidence. The Reserve Bank of Australia’s decision to further reduce the target cash rate to 3.85 per cent and moderating inflation pressures provide a ray of light after a prolonged period of difficult conditions for small and family businesses,” Billson said.</p>



<p>The report noted that household spending is showing early signs of recovery, although it remains weak in the hospitality industry. Cost of living pressures still remain, constraining demand in the hospitality sector and other sectors that rely on discretionary spending.</p>



<p>The recent flooding may also adversely impact some small businesses. &#8220;Many small businesses have navigated the impacts of natural disasters so far this year,&#8221; Billson said. &#8220;However, the recent flooding will likely have an impact over the year (and potentially years to come), with small businesses active in seeking help tailored to their very difficult circumstances.&#8221;</p>



<p>While there has been a modest uptick in small businesses considering hiring additional staff, particularly in the hospitality and disability support industries, many businesses still find it difficult to find suitable staff. &#8220;(This is) reflecting a persistently tight labour market, and prospects for productivity improvement remain weak,&#8221; the Ombudsman commented.</p>



<p>The Small Business Pulse is a health check of objective vital signs for small businesses while also taking into account the ‘animal spirits’ that drive decision making.</p>



<p>“The small uptick in optimism of small-business owners is magnified in those considering starting a business. These entrepreneurial ideas focus on addressing social and environmental issues such as improving outcomes for vulnerable people, sustainable farming and renewable energy. Queries about starting a business were notably driven by an uptick in current and prospective digital nomads and influencers.</p>



<p>“We need to do more to energise enterprise and create and nurture the spark that will inspire someone to turn an idea into investment, to build a business, to take on the risk and big responsibility of creating an opportunity-generating new enterprise, and to employ that extra person,” Billson said.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/management/growth/improving-inflation-and-consumer-sentiment-offering-a-boost-to-small-business-health">Improving inflation and consumer sentiment offering a boost to small-business health</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au">Inside Small Business</a>.</p>
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		<title>Q&#038;A: How Estetika is reimagining the cosmetic bag</title>
		<link>https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/management/growth/qa-how-estetika-is-reimagining-the-cosmetic-bag</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Karl Aguilar]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2025 02:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Latest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cosmetic bag]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[international expansion]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/?p=33053</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>How Estetika’s luxury vegan cosmetic bags went from a Mother’s Day idea to international shelves and global acclaim.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/management/growth/qa-how-estetika-is-reimagining-the-cosmetic-bag">Q&amp;A: How Estetika is reimagining the cosmetic bag</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au">Inside Small Business</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Wanda Szychowska was having trouble finding the right and beautiful cosmetic bag to suit her needs when she hit upon an idea: why not make one herself? With her background as an interior designer, she sought to create bag as if it was a &#8216;house&#8217; for makeup and skincare. Thus, Estetika was born with its wide range of quilted, vegan, and durable luxury cosmetic bags. Since its launch, it has garnered international acclaim both at home and internationally. We talk to Wanda about her business journey with Estetika and how she has successfully made the shift.</p>



<p><em>ISB: How did your background as an interior designer influence Estetika&#8217;s beginnings and is it still important to your operations now?</em></p>



<p>WS: As an interior designer, I am constantly visualising the end result and solving problems whether it&#8217;s space, storage, or how to make something both beautiful and functional. Designing a makeup bag felt natural and exciting, like stepping into a new kind of project with very familiar foundations. I thought about durability, cleanability, and timelessness, the same way I would approach designing a home. Materials always matter, how it kept its shape, how it opened to stay flat, was easy to clean and absolutely designed with recycled materials where possible and plastic free, animal kind. Most of all, I wanted to capture the emotion of how it made someone feel while using the bag and seeing it for the first time. That design-led mindset still shapes every Estetika product today.</p>



<p><em><em>ISB:</em></em> <em>What was it like working with your mother and daughter in bringing Estetika to life and how did they influence the brand?</em></p>



<p>WS: My mother has always been my inspiration. She raised six children and worked in many businesses from high street fashion, to owning her own takeaway shop (Barbaras Place) to working as a beautician for Ella Baché, so she understood the industry, working for herself and wanted to help bring my vision to life. My daughter was the catalyst when she couldn’t find a beautiful makeup bag to give me for Mothers Day. That sparked the idea to design something timeless, functional, and luxurious that we could not find. Together, we designed a vanity case that works beautifully whether open or closed, at home or while travelling. Exhibiting at NY Now with both my 80 year old mother and 17-year-old daughter by my side was a moment I’ll never forget, three generations, one new small Australian brand, and our first time in New York together. It was priceless.</p>



<p><em>ISB:</em> <em>Can you tell us how you got the attention of US retailing giant Nordstrom?</em></p>



<p>WS: Before the NY Now Trade Show, I was reaching out to buyers on LinkedIn and direct messaging/email outreach, hoping they’d visit our stand, that was my first step. We flew all the way from Australia to show we were serious, committed, and ready to stand out as experts in our category. During the show, we briefly had Nordstrom’s attention, but another founder redirected them to her booth and we missed our chance. I was gutted but believe in divine timing, so I enlisted a US-based agent who helps brands like ours connect with major retailers to become retail ready. That’s how Estetika ended up on Nordstrom’s radar, proof that presence and persistence matter and sometimes the right connections.</p>



<p><em><em>ISB:</em></em> <em>Why target the US market — as opposed to markets closer to home? And what&#8217;s made Estetika so successful there?</em></p>



<p>WS: The organic reach Estetika has had into the US &amp; Canada has been incredible. Influencers have discovered us, shared the product, and reached out directly through IG &amp; TikTok. The scale and diversity of the US market, particularly in LA, Miami, and New York, makes it the strongest growth opportunity for us right now. It aligns with our aesthetic, pace, and premium positioning. While the US is a clear focus, I’m also excited to explore expansion into the Asian and UAE markets next and I truly wholeheartedly believe Estetika has a global energy that can resonate widely.</p>



<p><em><em>ISB:</em></em> <em>How do you envision Estetika&#8217;s growth in the next couple of years?</em></p>



<p>WS: My dream is to grow Estetika into a global brand not just in the US, but across the UK and Europe as a leader in luxury beauty accessories. I want to push the boundaries of design and style, making our makeup bags feel like the ultimate accessory and a lifestyle upgrade. At the heart of it, I want to help more women feel confident inside and out through their daily beauty rituals. I’d also love to collaborate with an airline frequent flyer program one day and create the go-to beauty accessory for busy travelers. </p>



<p><em><em>ISB:</em></em> <em>What was the most difficult lesson you&#8217;ve had to learn about business so far?</em></p>



<p>WS: The pivot from being an Interior Designer (a service-based word-of-mouth business) to a product-based business was such an eye-opener. I had hired an agency to run ads, but they weren’t effective, and the reality hit hard: no one is coming unless you bring them in and that they need to see you at least 7-10 times before they will purchase. You need to invest everything, not just money, but time, energy, and emotional resilience. Most revenue gets reinvested, so having a side income is smart in the early days. I’ve learned to be patient, to back myself, and to stay anchored through meditation and mindset work. Building a brand is deeply personal, lonely, and powerful all at once, and I wouldn&#8217;t have it any other way.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/management/growth/qa-how-estetika-is-reimagining-the-cosmetic-bag">Q&amp;A: How Estetika is reimagining the cosmetic bag</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au">Inside Small Business</a>.</p>
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		<title>SMEs expect half-year revenue growth amid continuing challenges</title>
		<link>https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/management/growth/smes-expect-half-year-revenue-growth-amid-continuing-challenges</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Karl Aguilar]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 May 2025 08:10:11 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Latest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[revenue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SME Growth Index]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/?p=33081</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>SME confidence is rising, with 59 per cent expecting revenue growth, but sector and state-level concerns remain, says ScotPac Index.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/management/growth/smes-expect-half-year-revenue-growth-amid-continuing-challenges">SMEs expect half-year revenue growth amid continuing challenges</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au">Inside Small Business</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>The latest SME Growth Index by non-bank SME business lender ScotPac has revealed an improvement in SME confidence levels, though some figures remain a cause for concern.</p>



<p>Overall, 59 per cent of SMEs expect to see half-year revenue growth, which is nearing the record high of 62.6 per cent achieved in 2014. However, this was tempered by one-third of businesses stating that they expect revenue to decline.</p>



<p>The Index noted that the average projected revenue growth rate across all SMEs nationally was 1.4 per cent, with the most positive business flagging 18 per cent revenue growth and the most pessimistic predicting a 30 per cent decline, a vast 48 percentage point gap.</p>



<p>Mining-related SMEs are the nation’s most optimistic, predicting average revenue growth of 6.3 per cent, while construction SMEs are the most pessimistic, anticipating revenue to fall by 8.3 per cent.</p>



<p>At a state level, Queensland SMEs registered the highest confidence levels with an average revenue growth forecast of 10 per cent, and WA SMEs were the next most positive at 7 per cent. Victoria remains the only state with negative revenue expectations, with SMEs projecting an average 9 per cent decline.</p>



<p>ScotPac group executive, client acquisition, Craig Michie, said that despite the patchy national results, it was encouraging that most SMEs are projecting a short-term revenue increase.</p>



<p>“Considering the cost challenges SMEs faced in 2024, it’s great news that average revenue forecasts remain in the black,” Michie said. “The surge in optimism from businesses in resource-rich states shows no signs of slowing, while SMEs with tight margins or high exposure to discretionary spending are understandably more cautious about the future.”</p>



<p>ScotPac expressed caution as well regarding the challenges facing business owners ahead with the super guarantee set to rise again in July, and the ongoing uncertainty around tariff policies. </p>



<p>However, with inflation and interest rates expected to ease in the coming months, the lender believes that SME confidence levels will be rising across more states and sectors.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/management/growth/smes-expect-half-year-revenue-growth-amid-continuing-challenges">SMEs expect half-year revenue growth amid continuing challenges</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au">Inside Small Business</a>.</p>
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		<title>Accountant details what you can and cannot claim as vehicle tax deductions</title>
		<link>https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/finance/tax/accountant-details-what-you-can-and-cannot-claim-as-vehicle-tax-deductions</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Karl Aguilar]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 May 2025 05:15:09 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Latest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tax]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tax deductions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vehicles]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/?p=33076</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Learn what vehicle expenses you can claim at tax time, including logbook rules, travel types, and common deductions.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/finance/tax/accountant-details-what-you-can-and-cannot-claim-as-vehicle-tax-deductions">Accountant details what you can and cannot claim as vehicle tax deductions</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au">Inside Small Business</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>With <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/tag/eofy">tax time</a> approaching, many Australians are unsure about what vehicle expenses they can claim and what they cannot. </p>



<p>According to Coco Hou, CPA and CEO of Platinum Accounting Australia, there are a number of eligible car-related deductions, but strict rules apply. </p>



<p>&#8220;Car expenses are one of the most commonly misclaimed items on a tax return,&#8221; Hou said. &#8220;A lot of people assume they can claim just because they drive for work, but unless the travel meets specific criteria and you have accurate records, it won&#8217;t hold up under scrutiny.&#8221;</p>



<p>Hou stressed that understanding those rules can mean the difference between a maximised return and a costly audit.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-difference-between-private-and-work-related-travel">The difference between private and work-related travel</h4>



<p>One of the most important distinctions taxpayers must understand is the distinction between private travel and work-related travel.&nbsp;</p>



<p>&#8220;Driving from home to your regular workplace is considered private, and is not deductible, no matter how far you travel or how often you drive. This includes tolls, parking and fuel costs related to the commute,&#8221; Hou said. &#8220;However, travel that occurs as part of your job, such as driving between worksites, attending client meetings, collecting supplies or transporting equipment, is considered work-related. Those kilometres and related costs may be eligible for deduction.&#8221;</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cents-per-kilometre-vs-logbook-method-for-claiming-deductions">Cents-per-kilometre vs logbook method for claiming deductions</h4>



<p>The law specifies two main ways to claim car expenses: the cents-per-kilometre method and the logbook method.</p>



<p>&#8220;The cents-per-kilometre method allows you to claim up to 5000 business kilometres per year at a set rate, currently 85 cents per kilometre. This rate includes fuel, servicing, registration, insurance and depreciation, so those cannot be claimed separately,&#8221; Hou explained. </p>



<p>She also recommended, &#8220;For people who do a significant amount of work-related driving, the logbook method is often more beneficial. It allows you to claim a percentage of actual car expenses based on your documented business use.&#8221;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Hou emphasised as well that a logbook must be maintained for a continuous 12-week period and updated if the taxpayer&#8217;s usage pattern changes. Once established, that percentage can be applied to running costs such as petrol, oil, insurance, servicing, repairs, registration, loan interest and depreciation.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-allowable-deductions">Other allowable deductions</h4>



<p>The law also allows for car washes, detailing and even things like car air fresheners, sunshades, tissue boxes and car seat covers to be claimed as deductions but only under the logbook method and only in proportion to business use.</p>



<p>For example, if a taxpayer frequently drives clients or colleagues to meetings and want to keep the car clean and presentable, they may be able to claim a portion of those costs, but this must be documented and clearly tied to work-related activities.</p>



<p>&#8220;If you buy a car scent or get the car cleaned to make a good impression on a client you are driving to a meeting, that&#8217;s potentially deductible,&#8221; Hou said. &#8220;But if you just want your car to smell nice for personal reasons, that&#8217;s not a business expense.&#8221;</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parking-tolls-and-garaging">Parking, tolls, and garaging</h4>



<p>In the same manner, taxpayers cannot claim parking at their regular place of work, however they can claim parking or tolls incurred while travelling to client meetings or other work-related destinations. If they paid for toll or for parking while heading to a job site, those receipts should be kept.</p>



<p>Hou also clarified that garaging is considered a private cost unless the home is the base of your business and the car is essential to your work operations.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regarding-leased-or-financed-cars">Regarding leased or financed cars</h4>



<p>Under the law, leased or financed cars are also covered for deduction. If using the logbook method, the interest portion of your lease or loan repayments can be claimed in proportion to business use provided there is documentation.</p>



<p>Ride-share drivers, small-business owners and tradespeople who rely on their vehicles to generate income may be eligible for more extensive deductions, but they must still follow the same record-keeping requirements. This includes maintaining fuel receipts, service invoices, insurance documents and a current logbook if using the actual expenses method.</p>



<p>&#8220;Just because you can access your car records doesn&#8217;t mean they are tax-compliant records,&#8221; Hou said. &#8220;You need to actively track your use and expenses, not just make assumptions or round figures. The ATO is very specific about this.&#8221;</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-talk-to-an-accountant">Talk to an accountant</h4>



<p>While the tax rules around vehicles can seem complex, Hou advises taxpayers to keep detailed records and speak to a qualified tax advisor before lodging their return.</p>



<p>&#8220;A lot of people miss legitimate deductions simply because they&#8217;re not aware of them, or worse, they claim things they shouldn&#8217;t and get caught out,&#8221; she said. &#8220;A short meeting with your accountant could save you hundreds and make sure you stay well within the rules.&#8221;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/finance/tax/accountant-details-what-you-can-and-cannot-claim-as-vehicle-tax-deductions">Accountant details what you can and cannot claim as vehicle tax deductions</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au">Inside Small Business</a>.</p>
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		<title>ATO offers additional support to small-business owners on their tax obligations</title>
		<link>https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/finance/tax/ato-offers-additional-support-to-small-business-owners-on-their-tax-obligations</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Karl Aguilar]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 May 2025 07:58:13 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Latest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tax]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ATO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[compliance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[superannuation]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/?p=33059</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The new ATO campaign offers guidance on small business tax, GST, and super responsibilities to reduce early-stage compliance risks.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/finance/tax/ato-offers-additional-support-to-small-business-owners-on-their-tax-obligations">ATO offers additional support to small-business owners on their tax obligations</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au">Inside Small Business</a>.</p>
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<p>The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is set to provide additional support for new small-business owners under its ‘ready for business’ campaign to ensure they understand and comply with their tax, super and registry obligations from the start.</p>



<p>As part of this campaign, Australian business number (ABN) holders will receive a series of emails from the ATO in the coming months, which include tips on ABN obligations, business structures, registering for goods and services tax (GST) and understanding employer responsibilities.</p>



<p>&#8220;Small businesses are vital participants in the tax and super system. As stewards for small businesses, our role in making it easy for small-business owners to get their tax and super right is more important than ever.,&#8221; ATO deputy commissioner Will Day stated. &#8220;Our goal is to provide small businesses with guidance, tools and tips so new business owners can focus on growing their business with confidence.&#8221;</p>



<p>The ATO conceived the campaign in light of the data that approximately 50 per cent of businesses fail in the first three years, often because they have at least been remiss in their ATO obligations from the start.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gst-obligations">GST obligations</h4>



<p>In particular, <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/management/planning-management/sme-owners-urged-to-heed-new-gst-liability-penalties">GST</a> registration and payment is an ongoing area of concern for the ATO, which estimates that almost $8 billion in GST each year hasn’t been collected due to non-compliance, with small businesses contributing significantly to this gap.</p>



<p>And while not every small business needs to be registered for GST, but when their GST turnover is $75,000 or more or when they provide taxi, limousine or ride-sourcing services they must register and collect GST and then pay this to the ATO.</p>



<p>Day encouraged small businesses to set aside GST, as well as pay-as-you-go (PAYG) withholding and super if they have employer obligations. &#8220;Don’t be tempted to dip into GST, PAYG withholding or super to manage your cashflow – set up separate bank accounts for these funds so you’re always prepared when it’s time to pay,&#8221; he said.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reporting-side-hustles">Reporting side hustles</h4>



<p>With over 700,000 taxpayers are supplementing their income with ‘side hustles’ including ‘gig’ or sharing economy activities, the ATO has reminded that if a hobby has turned into a profit-making business, it is the side hustler&#8217;s responsibility to fulfill the pertinent tax, super and registry obligations.</p>



<p>&#8220;Generally, a business involves continuous and repeated activities aimed at making a profit. Visit ato.gov.au/areyouinbusiness to learn more about whether your activities qualify as a business and understand your obligations,&#8221; Day said.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-reporting-encouraged">Early reporting encouraged</h4>



<p>The ATO is also encouraging new small businesses to plan ahead to avoid a large tax bill when they lodge their first tax return by voluntarily entering and prepaying their estimated tax liability through PAYG instalments as soon as they start their business.</p>



<p>&#8220;We know that successful small business owners understand their tax, super and registry obligations and we are committed to helping them do so.&#8221; Day said. &#8220;Through transparent communication, including the support we have available for small businesses, small-business owners are better equipped to keep up with their obligations and stay on top of their tax payments. After all, small business is serious business.&#8221;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/finance/tax/ato-offers-additional-support-to-small-business-owners-on-their-tax-obligations">ATO offers additional support to small-business owners on their tax obligations</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au">Inside Small Business</a>.</p>
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		<title>Nominations for 2025&#8217;s Top 50 Small Business Leaders now open</title>
		<link>https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/management/growth/nominations-for-2025s-top-50-small-business-leaders-now-open</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Karl Aguilar]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 May 2025 08:02:26 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Latest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Top 50 Small Business Leaders]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/?p=33040</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Nominations for the 2025 Inside Small Business Top 50 Small Business Leaders are open to the difference-making small business leaders.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/management/growth/nominations-for-2025s-top-50-small-business-leaders-now-open">Nominations for 2025&#8217;s Top 50 Small Business Leaders now open</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au">Inside Small Business</a>.</p>
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<p>Inside Small Business is delighted to announce that nominations for the 2025 Inside Small Business Top 50 Small Business Leaders are now open. We invite you to be part of our annual report that celebrates the diversity and achievements of the millions of small businesses who are the backbone of the Australian economy. </p>



<p>We are once again looking for small business leaders who are making a difference to their clients, the communities in which they live and work, and/or to society at large. If that is you, or you know of, are a friend or family member of, or are a patron of, such a business please get involved – nomination is a short, simple process and could result in that business owner being anointed one of this year’s Top 50.</p>



<p>As we look to profile as broad as possible a range of our small business leaders every year, we’d ask that those who have already featured in a Top 50 Report stand aside to allow us to profile 50 of your contemporaries – rest assured that, as always, we will continue to follow the progress of our previous winners and cover that progress as and when the opportunity presents itself. To every other small business leader in the country, we’d welcome your nomination.</p>



<p>Nominate your small business leader today by visiting this <a href="https://top50.insidesmallbusiness.com.au/">link</a>. </p>



<p>Nominations for the 2025 Top 50 Small Business Leaders are open until May 30.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/management/growth/nominations-for-2025s-top-50-small-business-leaders-now-open">Nominations for 2025&#8217;s Top 50 Small Business Leaders now open</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au">Inside Small Business</a>.</p>
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		<title>Q&#038;A: How Burzerk made $300k in seven months  through feelings – not just features</title>
		<link>https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/management/growth/qa-how-burzerk-became-australias-fast-growing-e-bike-start-up</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Karl Aguilar]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 May 2025 02:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Latest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[e-bikes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[revenue]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/?p=32963</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>"Some customers have taken a bike for a spin, come back, and within minutes, I’m seeing the funds in my account."</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/management/growth/qa-how-burzerk-became-australias-fast-growing-e-bike-start-up">Q&amp;A: How Burzerk made $300k in seven months  through feelings – not just features</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au">Inside Small Business</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<p>Despite being a fairly new player in the e-bike market in Australia, Burzerk has grown to be a fast-growing business. In fact, it has earned over $300,000 in revenue during its first seven months in operation, with the momentum not stopping anytime soon. We talk to Adam Beard, the entrepreneur behind Burzerk, to find out how the start-up managed to surpass expectations.</p>



<p><em>ISB: What inspired you to start Burzerk?</em></p>



<p>AB: I was watching a guy ride past on an e-bike and instantly imagined myself in his place – I just knew I wanted one. Later, I had a dream that took me back to Pop and Grandma&#8217;s farm, ripping around on motorbikes with my brother. Whenever the parents yelled, “You better slow down – going berserk like that, you’ll hurt yourself!” It only fueled the fire. We charged it even harder. That memory hit me hard, and I woke up knowing I needed to build something real that captured the feeling of freedom. Within five minutes, I’d registered the Burzerk name and domains. No hesitation – with the “charge it” mindset.</p>



<p><em><em>ISB: </em>Where did your initial funding come from and how did you deploy this across the business?</em></p>



<p>AB: The initial funding came from a private loan. From there, we quickly found our footing and learned to navigate the stormy seas of start-up life – something I know many readers here will relate to. Strategically, I focused the investment on product development and marketing while ensuring we had systems in place to understand our logistics and e-commerce data. This gave us insight into key areas – customer targeting, content strategy, and distribution channels that suited our product: electric bikes. Planning ahead is crucial, especially with a three-month lead time for production and shipping to Australia. You’ve got to be both proactive and flexible to stay in flow.</p>



<p><em><em>ISB: </em>What marketing moves helped you stand out from your competition?</em></p>



<p>AB: We focused on building a brand around a feeling, not just features. The story, the nostalgia, the energy – that’s what people connect with. Our slogan, “charge it,” is about more than just hitting the throttle – it’s about showing up, pushing through, and choosing courage. We’ve leaned into strong visual storytelling and community-focused content that reflects relatable scenarios. On the retail front, having major partners like Harvey Norman, Bunnings, and Myer on board has been amazing. We also recently partnered with Tracks, which featured our e-bike in a Rip Curl campaign.</p>



<p><em><em>ISB: </em>You sold over $300k worth of products in your first seven months. What actions were most pivotal in achieving this?</em></p>



<p>AB: A third of those sales came from in-person efforts – it was a busy summer! Behind the scenes, it was long nights learning to be a bike mechanic, writing email flows, creating ad campaigns, managing socials, updating the website, monitoring performance, writing articles, shooting content, looking after customers, building networks, partnerships &#8211; doing it all. I&#8217;ve even fallen into the rabbit hole of AI implementation a few times! There’s always more to do, so prioritisation is everything. The key was caring enough to actually act – that’s what brings things to life. That mindset of “charge it!” didn’t just apply to riding – it became my business compass.</p>



<p><em><em>ISB: </em>What was the most challenging obstacle you faced, and how did you overcome it?</em></p>



<p>AB: Working with overseas suppliers comes with challenges, especially around communication. I’ve learned the value of partnering with people who are coherent, reliable, and aligned. Managing everything solo was intense. Every day I was across product development, inventory, logistics, marketing – basically all operations. I had to learn to give myself space to recharge – beach time really helped. I also made time for surfing, running, tennis, soccer, and the gym to stay balanced. Good food, water, exercise, sleep, and the right environment make a big difference. Eventually, bringing in advisors, a marketing team, and mentors gave me the clarity and structure I needed.</p>



<p><em><em>ISB: </em>What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in this business journey?</em></p>



<p>The one lesson that stands out is this: when you&#8217;re truly passionate about something, and you take fast, intentional action like your life depends on it – it resonates. People feel that energy. Some customers have taken a bike for a spin, come back, and within minutes, I’m seeing the funds in my account. I like to take a genuine but brutally honest approach, and I think that builds trust. Finding the right balance between work and personal/social life was tough at times, but collaborations like the Tracks party reminded me to enjoy the ride. The surf industry crew have the best vibe.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/management/growth/qa-how-burzerk-became-australias-fast-growing-e-bike-start-up">Q&amp;A: How Burzerk made $300k in seven months  through feelings – not just features</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au">Inside Small Business</a>.</p>
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		<title>Additional disaster funding for North Queensland small businesses</title>
		<link>https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/finance/funding/additional-disaster-funding-for-north-queensland-small-businesses</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Karl Aguilar]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 May 2025 08:41:56 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Funding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Latest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[disaster recovery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grant]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/?p=32987</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>North Queensland small businesses hit by floods can now apply for disaster recovery grants of up to $15,000 under new DRFA support.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/finance/funding/additional-disaster-funding-for-north-queensland-small-businesses">Additional disaster funding for North Queensland small businesses</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au">Inside Small Business</a>.</p>
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<p>Additional financial support has been made available for North Queensland small businesses impacted by severe weather earlier this year with the activation of new disaster recovery grants.</p>



<p>The grants under the Small Business Recovery Assistance Grant program will provide up to $15,000 to eligible small businesses that experienced significant trading disruptions due to the severe weather event between January 29 and February 28.</p>



<p>The Federal and State governments have jointly activated this support through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to help communities in North and Far North Queensland recover from this year’s devastating floods.</p>



<p>“Small businesses are the heart of North Queensland and provide the services communities love and rely on, which is why we’ve activated additional financial assistance to help them get back on their feet,” Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said. “We’ve listened to local operators about the impact of this year’s floods, and this grant is about providing practical support to help them to rebuild with confidence.”</p>



<p>Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the grant is targeted at small businesses that either ceased trading or suffered a revenue loss of 60 per cent or more for at least two consecutive weeks as a direct result of the disaster.</p>



<p>“Small businesses are the backbone of regional communities. When disaster strikes, they face not only physical damage but also massive financial uncertainty,” Minnikin said. “This grant recognises the real and ongoing challenges these businesses face and helps them cover essential costs like wages, rent and stock so they can focus on reopening, retaining staff, and rebuilding stronger than before.”</p>



<p>Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said this additional round of support was crucial to getting North Queensland small businesses back on their feet.</p>



<p>“This government is here for the long haul, and we’ll continue to work in the knowledge that our job is not done until affected businesses get back to full operation,” Leahy said. “We understand the impact and are here to provide the necessary support.”</p>



<p>Eligible businesses must be located in one of eight declared disaster-affected Local Government Areas, including Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville, and Yarrabah. Grants will be assessed on a competitive basis, with applicants needing to demonstrate the financial impact of the disaster, their intent to continue operating, and how the funds will contribute to business and community recovery.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/finance/funding/additional-disaster-funding-for-north-queensland-small-businesses">Additional disaster funding for North Queensland small businesses</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au">Inside Small Business</a>.</p>
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		<title>Hospitality businesses hit the hardest in the past year</title>
		<link>https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/management/risk/hospitality-businesses-hit-the-hardest-in-the-past-year</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Karl Aguilar]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 May 2025 08:38:21 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Latest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Risk]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[closures]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hospitality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[insolvency]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/?p=33021</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>CreditorWatch’s April report shows insolvency risks remain high for Australian businesses, with hospitality hit hardest in 2025.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/management/risk/hospitality-businesses-hit-the-hardest-in-the-past-year">Hospitality businesses hit the hardest in the past year</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au">Inside Small Business</a>.</p>
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<p>The April Business Risk Index from credit reporting agency CreditorWatch offers a mixed picture of how Australian businesses are faring during this period.</p>



<p>On the positive side, Aussie businesses stand to benefit from recent and future measures to cut interest rates this year, alongside slower price increases and lower fuel prices amid uncertainties brought about by the spectre of the US&#8217; tariff policies under the Trump administration. </p>



<p>Insolvencies have also plateaued in recent months, albeit at high levels, with the construction and food and beverage services sectors the most affected by these high levels.</p>



<p>Overall, the past year has seen the hospitality sector hit the hardest, not only leading in business closures but also ranking highest across three key indicators of financial distress: insolvency rates, arrears (late payments), and ATO tax debt defaults over $100,000. This has resulted in one in 10 hospitality businesses in Australia shutting down over the past 12 months.</p>



<p>CreditorWatch CEO Patrick Coghlan commented that hospitality businesses are particularly vulnerable in several key areas. &#8220;They are exposed to the vagaries of discretionary spending. So, when households feel the pinch from interest rate rises and price increases, they typically spend less at places like cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs. The increase in people working from home has also had an impact, mainly in outlets in CBD areas.&#8221;</p>



<p>He added, &#8220;On top of that, you have the business cost increases in areas such as wages, electricity, insurance and food and alcohol. You also have to remember that most hospitality outlets are small businesses, so they usually don’t have the cash buffers to get them through hard times that large businesses often do. I really feel for them – it’s tough right now. There are many businesses out there barely hanging on.&#8221;</p>



<p>CreditorWatch says it doesn&#8217;t expect a major turnaround for the sector until households feel the impacts of at least a couple of further rate cuts in their budgets.</p>



<p>Chief economist Ivan Colhoun commented: “We hear so much about the cost-of-living crisis, but it’s a ‘cost of doing business crisis’ as well, with businesses having seen significant increases in their cost bases. Businesses exposed to discretionary spending experience the worst of both worlds, with their costs pressured and their customers’ demand weakened. Hopefully, the recent interest rate cuts by the RBA can build on the beneficial effects of last year’s income tax cuts and cost-of-living support.”</p>



<p>Colhoun also noted the economy is at a particularly interesting crossroads. &#8220;Insolvencies remain elevated but have not deteriorated in recent months, the previous rising trend likely arrested by the income tax cuts of mid-2024 along with Federal and State government cost of living support measures,&#8221; he said. &#8220;It’s too early for the RBA’s February interest rate cut to be influencing these figures, though that cut and this week’s rate reduction will be welcomed by both businesses and consumers. And should have beneficial effects in the second half of the year.&#8221;</p>



<p>&#8220;Working against this more favourable setting is likely to be a combination of slower population growth, the effects of continued high costs and the uncertain impacts of President Trump’s tariffs and trade wars globally,&#8221; Colhoun added. </p>



<p>&#8220;Thankfully, there has been some unwinding of tariffs in recent weeks, though the net effect on global growth is still expected to be contractionary. Taken together, we expect an elevated level of insolvencies to remain over the next six months.&#8221;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au/management/risk/hospitality-businesses-hit-the-hardest-in-the-past-year">Hospitality businesses hit the hardest in the past year</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insidesmallbusiness.com.au">Inside Small Business</a>.</p>
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